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From left: Landon, Kyle and Connor Bräck pose for a family photo. Photo by Adam Baker.

Sunday, September 12, 2010, was a day for the history books in the Bräck family... the end of an era. That’s the day Kyle Bräck could no longer beat his sons Connor and Landon in basketball due to an ACL injury. Although he may not win any more on the court, Kyle says he won in life because he gets to work with his sons at Pantex.

“This is such an oddity in this day and age to be able to work together; it’s so rare,” Kyle said. “It hearkens to the old years of farming families, being able to work together, that hardly ever exists anymore. We have the strong realization this is a privilege.”

Landon is a system-requirements engineer and Connor is a software automation and engineering management analyst. Kyle has been employed at Pantex two separate times but is currently an adviser in Emergency Services. One of the Bräcks’ favorite things to do revolves around, you guessed it, basketball. They often travel to watch Texas Tech University, their alma mater. A 2019 trip to watch Tech play Duke in New York marked the start of Landon’s Pantex career. That weekend, he got the call to intern at Pantex while at a hotel in Manhattan.

“I did my Pantex interview in the hotel room and was told I got the engineering intern position,” Landon said. “Then, we went out to Madison Square Garden to celebrate during Christmastime in New York.”

Connor was the last to join the family as a Pantexan in 2024 and was grateful to have his brother and dad around to help.

“Everyone knows it’s daunting or can be scary when you join here because of all of the new things you learn,” Connor said. “My first week I was full-time teleworking and couldn’t log in to the VPN. Luckily, my brother was right down the hall and helped guide me through it.”

Kyle and Connor recently worked on the mass-notification system update to Everbridge, among other Digital Transformation-related projects.
“I was on a meeting with other people but my dad was on there, and when it came my turn to talk, I wasn’t quite sure what to say, and I wasn’t going to call him his government name or Mr. Father, so I just called him dad. In the beginning I was timid, but he’s my dad.”

Adviser, coach, and mentor are a few of the other titles Kyle holds at the plant. His proudest title, however, is father.

“Our dad coached us in everything,” Connor said. “He came to all our events. He would choose to do that over anything else every time. He used to come to lunch at school to play basketball with all the kids. Coached all our buddies. He was and is a very present dad.”

Coaching didn’t stop at athletics. Kyle says he catches himself counseling his sons while at work.

“Now it’s not school or sports but life,” Kyle said. “I do still mentor them on how to carry themselves in a meeting, how to position themselves or helping give career advice at Pantex.”

Part of the Bräck family legacy at Pantex revolves around the basketball league. When Kyle was at Pantex the first time, he played. Connor currently plays and Landon is the league president.

“Back then, Pantex Basketball won the city league,” Kyle said. “Before we took pictures, I saw the broom closet open, ran and got a broom, because it was a clean sweep.”

Landon and Connor haven’t won any clean sweeps but insist that is because the league is tougher now than back when their dad was playing. Just like the league, many things may have changed over the years... and that’s not always a bad thing.

“He used to drop us off at preschool,” Landon said. “And when I was hired on at Pantex, I started dropping him off at work. Our lives did a 360 and we’re grateful for it. Our dad is the perfect example of a Pantexan who takes pride in what he does and works to share his knowledge with others around him and we get to be here to watch him do that.”

AMARILLO, TX– Pantex recently began construction on a new building that will provide around 14,000-square-feet of modern office space for its workforce. The Flexible Support Facility II incorporates new technologies, allows for efficient travel to and from common job-sites, and is designed to house teams that often collaborate on complex projects.

“This new office building will allow us to bring these vital teams together under one roof where they can collaborate using the most up-to-date technologies possible and can efficiently travel to areas of the plant where their expertise is needed,” PanTeXas Deterrence President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt said.

Pantex Plant, located near Amarillo, Texas, has for decades been the nation’s primary assembly, disassembly, and life-extension center for nuclear weapons. It also serves as the National Nuclear Security Administration’s High Explosives Center of Excellence for Manufacturing.

“We are very excited by this period of growth at Pantex. This is just one of several construction projects at the site. Each project is designed to better meet the current and future needs of our mission – to safely and securely maintain the nation’s nuclear deterrence,” Beierschmitt said. “Some of these new facilities bring together specific tasks that were spread across multiple buildings. Other facilities, like this one, bring together people who will work better and provide a better product by being co-located,” he added.

The Flexible Support Facility II follows a commercial construction approach to allow for cost savings and accelerated construction, with a projected completion date in mid-2028.

“This facility is one example of how we are modernizing Pantex, in this case by using the same ENERGY STAR design used at the Nevada National Security Site,” said Pantex Field Office Manager Jason Armstrong. “Sharing standard, scalable building designs across Nuclear Security Enterprise sites means we can ultimately reduce design costs and accelerate construction of office buildings like this and other non-nuclear facilities.”

Pantex will soon open the High Explosives Science and Engineering Facility and break ground on the High Explosive Synthesis, Formulation, and Production Facility, further solidifying Pantex as NNSA’s High Explosives Center of Excellence for Manufacturing.

PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt addresses the crowd during the Flexible Support Facility groundbreaking. Photo by Adam Baker.

A crowd gathers to hear remarks by PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt. Photo by Adam Baker.

Leaders from PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC, the Pantex Field Office, and contractor Hensel Phelps come together to break ground on the Flexible Support Facility. Photo by Adam Baker.

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PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD) is the management and operating contractor for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Pantex Plant located in Carson County near Amarillo, Texas. Pantex maintains the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile. PXD is a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) subsidiary – it also includes Fluor; SOC, A Day & Zimmermann Company; and The Texas A&M University System.

For more information on Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
(C) 806-236-2826
stephen.myers@pantex.doe.gov

It’s a warehouse — a place where stuff is stored. What possible research and development could be done in this area? How could asset storage be optimized?

It was exactly that last question that started the Plant Directed Research and Development (PDRD) Warehouse Optimization Project at the Pantex Plant (Pantex). Was there a way to optimize storage efficiency, improve space constraints, control inventory and placement, or track the location of assets?

A group of Pantex principal investigators set out to research ways to optimize and modernize the plant’s storage facilities.

Initial research focused on an automated forklift system that moves stored assets within a storage facility. The research used an unmanned forklift controlled remotely by an operator and a mockup of a warehouse.

“This early research demonstrated a forklift can be guided through aisles from a remote-control station, where the operator uses camera feeds to navigate, select specific pallet locations, and transport items to designated drop-off points, all without the need for direct human presence in the storage area,” stated Caleb Heltenberg, Pantex PDRD program manager.

This research’s success spawned additional warehouse research.

Automated Storage and Retrieval System
By automating the retrieval and storage of assets, this research presents a comprehensive feasibility study and a preliminary implementation framework for integrating an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) into warehouses. It addresses critical horizontal footprint constraints and delivers a tailored solution and strategic roadmap for execution. Additionally, this system has shown an advantage in vertical applications with high-ceiling clearances in warehousing facilities.

“The proposed system is projected to significantly maximize volumetric storage capacity, optimize inventory organization, reduce retrieval latency, and enhance overall occupational safety,” explained Josue Perez, principal investigator for the AS/RS project.

Vertical Lift Modules
This project was initiated out of a necessity for additional space in the special tooling warehouse. Vertical lift models (VLMs) consolidate items from storage or location bins into a single location. By using a combination of storage solutions that include the VLM and AS/RS systems, the team has determined that storage capacity can double per square foot in the areas in which these systems are installed. This saves space as well as centralizes the location for assets, reducing the back and forth of asset movement and taking advantage of the high-ceilings clearances in the facility.

Conveyor Systems
Conveyor systems allow for assets to be moved throughout the facility without the need to load and offload pallets using a forklift. This reduces wait time and allows for on-demand asset handling when needed. In the tooling warehouse, the conveyor system moves assets from the storage location to maintenance, to quality control, then to another facility.

These areas of warehouse research have increased facilities’ storage capacity, with reports of up to a 100% increase. This research has also increased throughput for selecting and placing assets, as well as moving assets between required workstations (maintenance, inspection, quality, etc.), without requiring a manual. Most notably, this research has led to an increase in occupational safety. Collectively, these PDRD research projects drive Pantex’s material handling towards the factory of the future.

“This research enables Pantex to maximize current facility/warehouse space while also providing technology for future facilities,” stated Heltenberg. “Future facilities and warehouses can be designed around this technology to optimize operations.”

Additionally, the warehouse optimization research supports the supply chain in general and also supports the Smart Factory and robotics/automation initiatives of Pantex’s digital transformation. It helps to enable rapid response, ensuring equipment, tooling, and other assets are where they need to be when they need to be, improving efficiency.

“Implementing this technology is the start of advanced technology in supply chain management and asset handling at Pantex” indicated Perez. “This is very mature technology that has a significant impact, but it also enables the future implementation of newer, less mature technologies in this space.”

In fiscal year 2026, several VLMs have been and continue to be installed across facilities at Pantex. Fiscal year 2027 will focus on transitioning the AS/RS and conveyor system from a conceptual study to implementation at Pantex. Key actions will include defining the final system integration requirements and preparing facilities for preliminary integration.

“This research enables Pantex to maximize current facility/warehouse space while also proving this technology for future facilities,” stated Heltenberg. “Future facilities and warehouses can be designed around this technology for optimization.”

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Jessica Cavazos work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who she is, what she does, and why she is proud to be a Pantexan.

Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! Children of all ages — welcome — to the greatest workplace on Earth! Step right up and be amazed at the nation’s primary site for the assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of nuclear weapons. Not everyone gets a ticket to see inside, but today is your lucky day. We have dazzling, dependable employees, delivering for today and optimizing for tomorrow — magnificent, world-class safety experts pushing our success to new heights, and fearless firefighters performing feats of grace and strength that only Pantex citizens would. All seen here at the one and only Pantex Fire Department (PXFD). Your ringmaster for this evening — the fabulous Jessica Cavazos.

Cavazos earned the nickname of “Ringmaster” because she is a central, cherished, and important member of the fire department family. Of course, Pantex isn’t a circus, but sometimes work might feel like a juggling act straight out of Barnum and Bailey. Thanks to dedicated team members like Cavazos, Emergency Services never drops a ball. Cavazos has worked as the PXFD secretary for 11 years, and quickly became an integral part of the team, effortlessly balancing several critical duties to help keep the organization running smoothly.

“Jessica takes pride in her abilities and responsibilities and that pride produces high-quality results,” Fire Chief Mike Brock said. “She cares about our personnel and will go out of her way to ensure they are taken care of. She does so many things behind the scenes that we don’t even think about. When she had to be off several weeks unexpectedly, it quickly became evident how much she does without prompting.”

The popular idiom “not my circus” is something Cavazos refuses to accept. She would insist it IS her circus and that she has a responsibility to live up to her nickname. Affectionately referring to the team as “her” responders, Cavazos is always willing to assist with events or tasks that unexpectedly pop up.

“During emergencies, I may be called upon to make important notifications, direct incoming phone calls, and help with on-scene operations by directing the Fire Department Support Team to receive their assignment,” Cavazos said. “I know my firefighters and paramedics are ready and willing to go out and take on whatever task they face when the tones drop. I am very honored to be a part of the fire department team. It provides me a great deal of pride to know I do everything I can to support them.”

Cavazos’ work isn’t all popcorn and cotton candy, but she loves her job. Just like the ringmaster starts the show, Cavazos is the first face you’ll see when you walk into the fire department, and you’ll almost always find her with a smile.

“Although not on official duty, I am an ambassador for the department,” Cavazos said. “I get the pleasure of assisting our visitors by helping them locate people or direct them to their meetings or events. Since I get the opportunity to meet people from all over the plant, I often get the pleasure to introduce visitors to our firefighters.”

Why are you proud to be a part of your specific team at Pantex?
I’m proud to be a Pantexan. I like that I am contributing to the team to accomplish a mission for the United States and its citizens. I enjoy being around all the great people I’ve met, the benefits, and pay I receive for doing a job I love.

How do you contribute to your team and make sure the mission is met?
I maintain records, payroll, emails, take notes, compose memos, oversee overtime weekly reports, assist with employee paperwork, support the responders, and more. In the over 20 years I’ve been at Pantex, I’ve seen lots of changes and opportunities. I feel my mission is to help coworkers with the things they need to do their job. Although the fire department is not directly related to weapons work, that work cannot be performed without our support and services.

What has surprised you the most since joining Pantex?
The connections I have made. I expected Pantex to be like other jobs where I show up, perform my work, and go home. Here I have met lots of good people and developed unbelievable relationships with great friends. It still impresses me that we are the only place in the world that does what we do. I am blessed to work for an organization that helps maintains nuclear deterrence.

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Molly Brown work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who she is, what she does, and why she is proud to be a Pantexan.

History remembers one survivor of the RMS Titanic tragedy as the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” of New York. Her can-do attitude helped her assist other survivors on her lifeboat, establish soup kitchens for coal miners, and later in life, push forward the fight to win women’s rights. Pantex certainly isn’t sinking, but we do have a Molly Brown, and she is just as determined to improve the lives of the people around her.

Brown started at Pantex four years ago to put her chemical engineering degree to use in Reliability Engineering. After making connections with her Infrastructure colleagues, she agreed to manage a new team, Infrastructure Process Improvement, which drives optimization throughout the organization.

“My role is to drive process improvement by identifying and addressing outdated or cumbersome processes,” Brown said. “Our goals are to enhance efficiency for plant maintenance, improve job satisfaction for maintenance personnel, and in turn help provide high-quality service to other organizations around the plant.”

An avid listener of crime podcasts and reader of murder mysteries, Brown gets a thrill from being able to solve problems. She is driven by numbers and follows the evidence until she figures out the best solution for an issue.

“Keeping a questioning attitude is essential for our mission because it helps us avoid getting stuck in our ways,” Brown said. “We always try to get to the root of the problem when we look at something so we can fully fix it. It’s so satisfying when we solve a problem for the users to make their lives so much better!”

Though her team is relatively new, Brown is hopeful about the possibilities as they take on the task of improving work within Infrastructure. Being able to
focus on input from people who do that job daily and work to make the process something the process owners can be proud of is the ultimate “why” for Brown.

“Pride in the work we do is what motivates us. For our team, pride means we pay close attention to feedback and use it to continuously improve our
processes and enhance the day-to-day experience for Infrastructure personnel. Even though we are a new team, we have had some significant
accomplishments for our organization and we are excited to build on that momentum.”

Why is being open to learn from others critical for mission success?
Learning from others allows us to avoid repeating past mistakes and eliminates blind spots that come from relying solely on our own knowledge. In fact, a good part of my day-to-day involves actively reaching out to subject matter experts to gain their insights and learn from their experiences. This collective knowledge and willingness to learn from each other ultimately strengthens our team and our ability to achieve our goals.

What has been your proudest moment at Pantex to date?
My proudest moments at Pantex revolve around seeing the success of my team members. I can recall the excitement I felt when one of our reliability engineers received the Engineering Employee of the Month Award for his hard work. Enabling and celebrating the success of others is one of my goals as a leader.

What do you enjoy most about working at Pantex?
Hands down, what I enjoy most about Pantex is the ability to be home with my family every night. Before Pantex, I was traveling weekly for my job, so having time at home with my loved ones makes a huge difference in my daily life and is something I truly cherish about working here.

Mike Young serves as manager for the Vendor Management Office (VMO) in Information Technology (IT), a far cry from the starry-eyed college math major wanting to be a landman. Degree in hand and eager to work, he joined a top tech company, uncertain he’d like the industry but grateful for the hire. That’s when it hit him.

“My position sent me to Dallas, New York, Tokyo, and other cities where I quickly realized how integrated IT is in every business,” Young said. “I started to love the industry, especially working with customers. That opened up a world of IT I didn’t know about.”

After two decades at a large corporation, Young decided it was time to take the next step in his career. Trading big city buzz for small town U.S.A., he took residency in a few locales around the Texas Panhandle, a move that would further define his profession and workplace attitude.

“I loved the purpose customer service gave me, and in these small towns, I connected with the people. There’s a closeness that is difficult to find in metropolises,” Young said. “I witnessed the impact I made on the individual and community. I loved the purpose and reward of customer service.”

Young quickly heard about Pantex and the mission, and the kinship such a unifying undertaking produces. It sounded like a perfect fit for him and what he wanted for his career. One resume later, he joined the team.

“I’m proud to be a small part in the long history of Pantex,” Young said. “Our mission keeps all Pantexans united in our day-to-day support of each other. It is truly something bigger than each individual and I am proud to have work that matters.”

Young’s VMO team manages the acquisition of IT materials (hardware, software, subcontractors), provides financial reports and data call coordination, and assures compliance with NNSA directives. He’s proud of his team and his work, and a few stand-out gratifying moments.

“I enjoyed presenting the Focus at a Monthly Managers Meeting,” Young said. “I am such a big believer in the Focus principles that I worked through my
discomfort with public speaking. I was also proud to represent Pantex at some careers fairs, despite my short time working here.”

Young values the journey and destinations of his career, but he’s truly fond of that one decision he made right out of college.

“I’m fortunate to have landed in IT and to serve in many positions within the field,” Young said. “I’ve learned in each position, at every place, to become a true partner with the customer and learn their business. This same view of my work here makes me appreciate supporting the Pantex mission.”

Why is it important we keep a questioning attitude?
It helps us avoid doing things just because they have always been done a certain way. Also, it helps me to understand the process, procedure, and overall business of Pantex. Understanding what we do and why we do it is a key to success in every task.

What advice would you give to a new employee?
Embrace the mission and realize time is short. These ideas combined generate the best in attitude and aptitude. The most value comes when a person has both of these qualities.

What’s your top bucket list item and why?
Attend the Masters Golf Tournament or the Open Championship and, if I could, walk inside the ropes. I played golf in high school and college, as did my father. I’ve always had a love for the game.

Firefighters Hunter Holman and Zach Ayala demonstrate one method to carry a downed firefighter. Photo by Michael Schumacher.

Look at the person next to you. Could you carry them out of a burning building?

Maybe you just did leg day, so you’re feeling confident. Or maybe your 57-month-old baby still likes to be toted around and your arms resemble the Incredible Hulk. Maybe your answer is “yes,” but firefighters don’t deal in maybes. Carrying adults ranging in body size and weight presents numerous challenges, but none the Pantex Fire Department can’t overcome with body physics and mechanics.

“The reality in our service is that we all have different body types and fitness levels,” Firefighter Hunter Holman said. “By mastering these carries, we’re
proving that technique is the ultimate equalizer. A firefighter who isn't the strongest person in the room can still perform the same rigorous rescue as anyone else if they understand leverage and body mechanics.”

Holman created the recent training alongside Firefighter Zach Ayala and will continue teaching fellow firefighters other valuable skills in the coming months. In the course, firefighters use the body’s strongest muscles to minimize strain when moving others. They distribute the person’s weight and use leverage, proper posture, and dragging techniques to move people while protecting themselves and the person they’re saving.

“First, we cover how to efficiently reposition our downed firefighter,” Holman explained. “Next, we work on several single firefighter carries and drags, putting emphasis on body positioning and creating a mechanical advantage.”

While you’ll see the traditional across-the-shoulder firefighter’s carry in the movies or shows depicting dramatic rescues, sometimes that just isn’t possible in real life due to low visibility, tight spaces, or other issues.

“If a person becomes injured or incapacitated, we have the specialized techniques and training reps to get them out quickly and efficiently,” Holman said. “This training module focuses on single firefighter rescue carries, which is a critical skill set developed to ensure rapid extraction.”

These skills benefit our emergency responders but also could help anyone wanting to learn how to reduce the risk for injury while completing day-to-day tasks involving weight distribution. The first training only took about an hour, but the reinforced skills will ensure the safety, resiliency, and effectiveness of the department’s first responders for years to come.

“This is part one in our five-part series,” Holman said. “Just like with any skill, if you are proficient and efficient, you will have the muscle memory and reps to help you overcome the physical and psychological stressors in a high-stakes environment.”

Some members of the B61-12 Life Extension Program (LEP) Last Production Unit (LPU) Team receiving their award. Photo by Michael Schumacher.

Two teams at Pantex have been recognized by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) for their contributions to national security. The B61-12 Life Extension Program (LEP) Last Production Unit (LPU) Team and the High Explosives Additive Manufacturing Modification Team have been named winners of the 2024 Defense Programs Award of Excellence (DPAE).

This award recognizes teams or individuals who have made a significant impact in quality, productivity, cost-saving, creativity, or enhanced security.

The B61-12 LEP LPU team was also awarded the exceptional achievement addition to the DPAE. According to the NNSA, “The DPAE with Exceptional Achievement award recognizes only those efforts and accomplishments that result in a unique, extensive, unusual, enhanced, unexpected, or extraordinary contribution or achievement to the Defense Programs mission.”

Tanner Massucci, B61-12 LEP LPU team lead, expressed how the collaboration of Pantexans led to this honor.

“The team masterfully navigated numerous internal and external technical complexities throughout the production life cycle, ultimately mitigating operational impacts to the production line,” Massucci said. “This prestigious award not only acknowledges the successful culmination of a multi-year LEP but, more significantly, celebrates the unwavering dedication and exceptional effort demonstrated by Pantexans across the entire site to achieve this pivotal milestone.”

High Explosives Additive Manufacturing Modification Team Lead Ben Hickam said the group worked diligently to deliver the project and he is honored that the work has been recognized.

“This award recognizes the excellent work of the team to complete this project, which illustrates the contribution of the team as it delivers over 50 important projects annually, optimizing for tomorrow,” Hickam said. “It really does require a great team to accomplish our mission.”

Congratulations to both teams!

Some members of the High Explosives Additive Manufacturing Modification Team. Photo by Michael Schumacher.

AMARILLO, TX – The Pantex Plant has achieved a significant milestone in national nuclear security deterrence by completing the first production unit (FPU) of the W76 Mk4B. This accomplishment comes just over five years after the program began, highlighting the dedication to the United States’ nuclear deterrent by sites from across the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

Pantex completed the FPU three months ahead of schedule. The W76 Mk4B builds upon the W76, which is a
series comprising the largest percentage of strategic weapons in the U.S. nuclear inventory and is a key component of the Trident II (D5) missile system. This milestone is of immense importance, primarily because it represents a critical step in maintaining and enhancing the United States' nuclear deterrence capabilities

The effort was a collaborative achievement involving Pantex, Kansas City National Security Campus, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, the United States Navy, and Lockheed Martin. Each entity played an integral role, navigating challenges that included component producibility, testing-hardware availability, and facility capacity. Effective communication and collaboration among the sites were crucial to overcoming these challenges and achieving the FPU.

“Reaching this milestone required a great deal of effort not only from Pantex employees, but thousands of workers at NSE sites across the country, including NNSA and Department of War personnel,” said Kelly Beierschmitt, president and general manager of PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC, the management and operating contractor for the Pantex Plant. “The success of this program has required the highest standards of safety, security, and quality from everyone involved. I personally want to commend these workers for their contributions to the effectiveness and completion of this milestone while ensuring our nation’s nuclear deterrence.”

“Achieving the W76 Mk4B FPU ahead of schedule demonstrates the NSE’s ability to accelerate mission delivery to meet the nation’s needs,” said Pantex Field Office Manager Jason Armstrong. “The collaboration among NSE labs, plants, and sites that led to this milestone is truly commendable and is what enables us to deliver to the Navy what’s required to meet our national security objectives.”

"As Pantex began working with the other sites on the program, we identified the opportunity to complete the FPU early, which benefits the nation by delivering the NNSA’s national security mission ahead of schedule," said Pantex W76 program manager Norbert Chmura. “Recently, Pantex successfully completed a number of production responsibilities early, which meant our facilities were available for an earlier start time on the W76 Mk4B. While that sounds easy, pulling a program forward requires additional effort from all of the NSE sites working on the program. The accelerated timeline is indicative of the great teamwork by all involved.”

With the W76 Mk4B FPU now complete, Pantex and its NSE partners continue to work together to navigate future challenges and strengthen the nation’s defense.

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PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD) is the management and operating contractor for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Pantex Plant located in Carson County near Amarillo, Texas. Pantex maintains the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile. PXD is a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) subsidiary – it also includes Fluor; SOC, A Day & Zimmermann Company; and The Texas A&M University System.

For more information on Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
(C) 806-236-2826
stephen.myers@pantex.doe.gov

Paramedics Camden Ryder and Zachary Ayala came to Pantex with several years of experience serving Texas communities. Photo by Michael Schumacher.

When a life-threatening medical event happens, you need help fast. That’s where the Pantex Fire Department (PXFD) emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics come in. Over the past year, emergency responders have provided aid for chest pains, strokes, obstetrical emergencies, and motor vehicle crashes among many other urgent situations.

“There is a high amount of critical thinking and split-second problem solving involved in response,” Firefighter Paramedic Camden Ryder said. “Especially for decisions that must be made in seconds that potentially have critical consequences. When on scene, the adrenaline dump takes over, and you revert to whatever training you have, which highlights why we train so much — we have to be able to perform tasks like they are second nature to us.”

Emergency Medical Services Week is celebrated the third week in May, honoring the professionals who dedicate their lives to helping others like Ryder and Firefighter Paramedic Zachary Ayala.

“I don’t feel like it’s the heroic calls or the adrenaline-fueled ones that make the difference,” Ayala said. “In my experience, just being nice to the person you’re helping makes all the difference. The majority of the time that’s going to leave a lasting impression with the patient. It gets them to realize we are there to help them because we want to be.”

Pantex operates state-licensed ambulance services 24/7/365. All firefighters are basic EMTs, advanced EMTs, or paramedics. They are on call for immediate response to medical emergencies, fire alarms, or other emergent needs. It’s essential the team is prepared to respond to any emergency at any time.

“We are constantly going back to school, training, and taking classes,” Ayala said. “The ‘schooling’ to become a firefighter paramedic never stops.”

Both Ryder and Ayala came to Pantex with several years of experience serving Texas communities as first responders, bringing a significant amount of knowledge and prior hands-on training from previous jobs. This allowed them to quickly adapt to Pantex and hit the ground running providing coverage for the site.

“I got into this line of work accidentally,” Ryder said. “My fire career started as a summer job — nothing more. I had friends that were on the wildland crew.
They convinced me to apply; within a month, my career plans changed. I transferred out of the University of Washington to the Portland Fire Academy in Spring 2020. I have been in the fire service for seven years and EMS for five years.”

“I started my career at Baptist St. Anthony’s Health System,” Ayala said. “I have 15 years of EMS service. I volunteered for Randall County Fire Department and then went to The Colony, Texas and became a firefighter paramedic in 2017 before going to Canyon and now Pantex.”

While Ryder and Ayala have different backgrounds, they’re both now part of the nuclear family at Pantex, always prepared and ready to respond to urgent medical calls and providing care to Pantexans.